The Malaysian Service Medal (Pingat Jasa Malaysia) is a medal given by the King and Government of Malaysia. Established 3 March 2004, the medal recognizes service by members of the Malaysian Armed Forces during the Malayan Emergency, Second Malayan Emergency, and the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. The medal was also offered for award to members of the Commonwealth forces from Australia, Fiji, India, Nepal, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom who served in Malaysia during the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. The award is in recognition of "distinguished chivalry, gallantry, sacrifice, or loyalty" in contributing to the freedom of independence of Malaysia. The medal can be conferred and accepted posthumously by next of kin. Appearance The obverse of the medal bears the Coat of arms of Malaysia with the inscription JASA MALAYSIA beneath it. The reverse shows a map of Malaysia and the initials P.J.M underneath. The medal is suspended by two crossed palas palm fronds which are attached to a straight suspension bar covered in a decorative pattern. The ribbon is a 35 mm corded ribbon and has five coloured vertical stripes. The colours are of those of the Malaysian flag. The individual colours and widths of the five vertical stripes are as follows: 4.5 mm yellow, 7 mm blue, 12 mm red, 7 mm blue and 4.5 mm yellow. No clasps or bars were issued for this medal. Criteria Malaysian Armed Forces To be eligible for the Pingat Jasa Malaysia members of the Malaysian Armed Forces must have served for six months in any formation or unit of the Malaysian Armed Forces from: 1 January 1969 to 2 December 1989 for operations against the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) or; 1 January 1969 to 17 October 1990 for operations against the North Kalimantan Communist Party (PKKU). Those personnel who did not meet the length of service requirement due to death, injury, or disability from fighting the Communist forces are also eligible for the medal. Commonwealth forces The Pingat Jasa Malaysia may be awarded to Commonwealth forces from Australia, Fiji, India, Nepal, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom including Gurkhas, who served in Malaysia for at least 90 days, between: 31 August 1957 and 31 August 1966 or, 31 August 1957 and 9 August 1965 in Singapore As with Malaysian personnel, awards may also be made to those whose service was cut short as a result of death or injury